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The Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has denied permission to build a new coal mine in Northumberland, overruling the wishes of the local council and the recommendation of his own planning inspector.

The secretary of state said the proposed open-cast Highthorn mine near Druridge Bay would have a “very substantial” impact on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, and on the character of the landscape. Mr Javid also found that “the proposal would not represent sustainable development”.

Developer Banks Mining had said the mine would be a source of three million tonnes of coal over 10 years that would otherwise be imported, creating 100 jobs and generating £87m for the local area.